Imperialism

Muhammad Ali

Egyptian leader who reformed the military and economy, modernizing in response to European influence.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means. A central concept driving the events of the period.

Racism

The belief that one race is superior to others, fueling imperialist policies and treatment of colonized peoples.

Social Darwinism

A social theory applying Darwin's ideas of evolution to human society, used to justify European dominance.

Berlin Conference

The 1884-85 meeting where European nations set rules for dividing Africa, formalizing the colonization of the continent.

Geopolitics

The interest in or acquisition of land for its strategic location or resources, driving much of European imperialism.

"Jewel in the Crown"

A term for India as Britain's most valuable colony, highlighting its economic importance.

Sepoy

Indian soldiers serving in the British army, central to both British expansion and resistance.

Sepoy Mutiny

The 1857 rebellion of Indian soldiers against British rule, a turning point in colonial relations.

Raj

The period of British rule in India under direct crown control.

Paternalism

A colonial policy of governing in a parental way, providing for needs but denying rights.

Assimilation

A policy expecting local populations to adopt the colonizers' culture.

Protectorate

A territory with internal government but under external control.

Sphere of Influence

An area where an outside power claims exclusive economic privileges.

Economic Imperialism

When a less-developed country is controlled by private business interests rather than another government.

Pacific Rim

Countries bordering the Pacific Ocean, a focus of imperialist activity in Southeast Asia.

Annexation

The adding of a territory to another state, significant in the context of U.S. acquisition of Hawaii.

Shaka

A Zulu chief who established a large centralized state in southern Africa, symbolizing African resistance.

Cecil Rhodes

A British businessman and advocate of imperial expansion, exemplifying the ideology of British imperialism.

David Livingstone

A Scottish missionary and explorer whose journeys spurred European interest in Africa.

Henry Stanley

An American reporter and explorer who inspired European colonization, especially in the Congo.

King Leopold II

Belgian monarch who exploited the Congo for rubber, representing the brutality of imperialism.

Menelik II

Ethiopian emperor who successfully resisted colonization, symbolizing African resistance to European dominance.

King Mongkut

Siamese king who modernized Siam, helping it remain independent during colonial expansion.